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Chirac faces charges in corruption case

Paris: Investigating magistrates on Wednesday formally placed former French President Jacques Chirac under investigation opening the way for criminal charges against the man who dominated French political life for over two decades. Mr Chirac was accused of embezzlement and misuse of public funds, making him the first former President to face likely criminal proceedings.

Magistrates are looking into several cases of fake contracts at the Paris City Hall awarded to members of Mr. Chirac’s RPR (Rally for the Republic) party — persons who never did a stroke of work for the municipality. At least 20 persons were given such fictitious contracts from 1977 to 1995 when Mr Chirac was the influential Mayor of Paris and the all powerful head of the Conservative RPR which helped him win the presidency in 1995.

During the 12 years of his rule, all these cases were placed in cold storage since he was awarded presidential immunity against any questioning or judicial probe through a court judgment in 2003.

In an article published in the daily Le Monde just before he was formally placed under investigation, Mr. Chirac said he had ordered or authorised these contracts and that there has never been any question of “personal gain.”

In theory, Mr. Chirac could, if found guilty, go to prison. But because of his political career and his age, he will most probably be given a fine and a suspended sentence. Other accusations are expected to follow in at least two other criminal investigations into the alleged misuse of the municipal budget for political gain. It will probably be several years before any of these cases come to court. Altogether, four separate Paris corruption cases are open that could draw in the former President. Political opponents questioned whether Mr Chirac could retain his position on the Constitutional Council, the 11-member body which is France’s highest constitutional authority.

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